High Court has asked the governments of both the states of Punjab and Haryana to explain how prison inmates suffering from Hepatitis C in their respective States, are being treated.
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Chandigarh: Addressing healthcare in prisons, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has called upon the governments of Punjab and Haryana to detail their treatment protocols for inmates afflicted with Hepatitis C. This inquiry arises from a suo moto case concerning the shortage of medical staff in jails.
The issue came to the forefront following an Amicus Curiae, Amitabh Tewari, referencing a news report in the Hindustan Times. The report highlighted a concerning statistic from a survey conducted in Punjab’s jails between June 15 and July 19, 2023, revealing that 23% of the prisoners were suffering from Hepatitis C.
A division bench, including Acting Chief Justice Ritu Bahri and Justice Nidhi Gupta, emphasized the gravity of the situation. They stated,
“Keeping in view the aforesaid news item, the States of Punjab and Haryana are directed to file their respective affidavits explaining as to how the prisoners suffering from Hepatitis C, in their respective States, are being treated.”
The bench also pointed out the existing gaps in healthcare staffing in Haryana’s prisons. An affidavit filed in April 2023 by the Haryana government disclosed numerous vacancies for Doctors and Medical Officers in jails. The bench instructed,
“The State of Haryana shall file a better affidavit clarifying as to what steps have been taken to fill up these posts.”
Regarding Punjab, the Court noted the formation of a three-member committee to assess and manage the overcrowding in jails. The status report presented in the court revealed that out of the sanctioned 42 Medical Officer positions for Central and District Jails in Punjab, six remain vacant, while 36 have been filled. Additionally, of the 48 sanctioned Pharmacist positions in the Punjab Prisons Department, 13 are yet to be filled.
The matter has been deferred to January 25 for further consideration, marking a critical juncture in addressing healthcare needs and human rights within the prison system. This case, underscores the judiciary’s proactive role in ensuring adequate medical care for prisoners, particularly those suffering from serious conditions like Hepatitis C.
CASE: Court on its own motion v. State of Punjab and others
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